This gloriously natural yarn is unlike any others. Hand-spun from 100% camel hair in a worsted weight, it is such fun to work with. Seriously -- even Willie, who may be a "Man of the Cloth" but definitely is not a Yarn Guy, was packing an order of six skeins and stopped to marvel at how luscious this yarn is. Excellent for chunky winter knits like socks, mittens, scarves and jumpers, marvelous blankets, and so much more. Diane, who works down the hall and is a not-so-very-closet knitter, suggests making a Fisherman's Guernsey or some splendid sturdy hiking gear, where you'll really appreciate the warmth and durability.

Available in the natural color of camel wool, or in low-impact dyed maroon, orange, blue, deep green, wasabi, and black. When choosing natural, do be aware that camel colors vary and we can't guarantee an exact match between skeins though we'll get them as close as we can.

Recommended for use with size 6 needles (gauge of 15 stitches/4 inches) or an F Hook; like most natural wool products, we suggest hand-washing in cold and drying flat. The colors vary, depending on the specific camel the wool came from, and some skeins are softer than others (again, depending on the particular camel -- and the place on the camel -- from which the wool was shorn). Don't get me wrong, they're all wonderful ... in our opinion these variations are to be prized and make every creation unique and one-of-a-kind.

The yarn is fairly easy to work with; it doesn't split as easily as some do, and has a glorious handspun slubbed texture. (The wool comes from two-humped Bactrian camels, should you want to impress your friends with that bit of knowledge.)

Don't buy this yarn if you're sensitive to scent, as some skeins have an aroma that comes from either the dyeing process or the homes in which it's kept during the spinning process. We do wrap this yarn separately when shipping orders. The smell isn't unpleasant, but we believe in full disclosure so now you know. :)

Many people who are unable to tolerate conventional woolen products find themselves unaffected by organic versions; they're surprised to discover that the intolerance is not of the wool fibers themselves but of the many chemicals that can cling to conventional products. Although not certified organic, these yarns are untouched by harsh chemicals; every step from camel to yarn is completely natural, ensuring that the animal oils stay in the yarn to keep it naturally water-repellent and gentle on human skin. As with many of our natural yarns, there are some organic inclusions (grass, hay, etc) in the yarn but that's easy enough to pick out and well worth it in the long run.

Buying this yarn actually helps save wild Asian snow leopards. How, you ask? The Snow Leopard Trust works with the rural, poverty-striken people who share the snow leopards' mountainous territory. By providing a fairly-traded international market for their crafts and bonuses for not killing the snow leopards (which kill their livestock for food), the SLT directly helps both the animals and the Mongolian herding families survive. In exchange for protecting the snow leopards in their region, these earnings pay for such necessities as education, medicine, and food.

This yarn is cruelty-free, as it comes from camels that are treated like family members by their traditional Mongolian herders. The camels freely roam their land, are unbranded, and are gently sheared. (See the National Geographic movie The Story of the Weeping Camel for a good picture of the lives led by these camels and their herders.)